And … ACTION!

It is the duty of every state to preserve creative freedom and foster the existence of a wide variety of independent authors to guarantee cultural diversity and the renewal of creation. More than this, these authors are job creators with their works kicking off a chain reaction of production and audience participation that makes a huge contribution to the world’s economies.

The absence of an unassignable, unwaivable remuneration right for screenwriters and directors is a glaring omission in many legal frameworks. It is present in a few countries but with the absence of borders in the digital age, it needs to exist universally to be effective.

Fair remuneration will restore the rights of screenwriters and directors and enable them to make an even greater economic and cultural contribution.

Support The Audiovisual Campaign

The key driver for this campaign is awareness. The general impression of screenwriter and directors is that they are well paid members of the Hollywood elite. For the vast majority, nothing could be further from the truth.

In the UK for example, only 11.5% of screenwriters are able to make a living from writing alone1 while in Spain the number of screenwriters making a living from their activity has fallen by more than 30% in ten years. In 2014, the amount paid in Spain for the script of a series broadcast in prime time was between €9,000 and €10,000 (for all the screenwriters), down from €15,000 ten years earlier2. And in Australia, 50% of the national directors guild members earn less than half the national average wage despite most having >10 Years industry experience3.

Today, the European audiovisual and film sector already represents 2.6% of EU GDP and provides 5.8 million jobs4. Imagine how much greater this contribution could be if screenwriters and directors enjoyed proper protection and equal treatment.

References:1 source: ALCS | 2 source: DAMA | 3 2015 Australian Directors Guild survey of members | 4 Remuneration of authors and performers for the use of their works and the fixations of their performances, a study prepared by Europe Economics-IVIR for the European Commission

The Audiovisual Campaign

Screenwriters and directors need a universally applied, unassignable and unwaivable remuneration right to bring them level with other players in the sector. This campaign is sponsored by two global non-profit organisations: Writers & Directors Worldwide and CISAC.